Gilmore Girlswas never lacking in oddball characters, with the two leads providing more than enough quirks to be endearing and humorous at the same time. But someone who really stood out was Lorelai Gilmore’s (Lauren Graham) best friend and talented, albeit clumsy, chef Sookie, played tremendously byMelissa McCarthy. The actor’s performance evolved throughout the season, allowing Sookie to grow a genuine personhood out of initially being a “weird bestie” archetype. We fell in love with her and couldn’t get enough.
While McCarthy has certainly appeared in many impressive roles since then and is more synonymous with an absurd brand of comedy, if you want to see her embody the goofy humor and sweetness of Sookie again, then head over toMike & Molly. In this classicChuck Lorresitcom, McCarthy plays the romantic lead next toBilly Gardell, as they lay out a timeless and feel-good love story with a refreshing perspective. We’re used to seeing romances between people who fit the conventional mold on-screen, so representing a romance between two overweight characters is very welcome,especially backed by McCarthy’s performance.
What Is ‘Mike & Molly’ About?
McCarthy and Gardell play the two respective titular characters andhave their meet-cute at Overeaters Anonymousin the pilot. Mike Biggs (yes, that is in fact his name) is a police officer whose partner (Reno Wilson) is always nudging him to go out while being an ever-supportive friend for his diet. Meanwhile, Molly is a primary school teacher whose mother (Swoosie Kurtz) insists she is simply “big-boned” and whose pothead sister (Katy Mixon) implores her to put herself out there. But both Mike and Molly would prefer to focus on their diets, exercise regimes, and OA meetings rather than socialize in a prejudiced world — that is, until their meet-cute inspires them to do otherwise.
Molly first introduces herself to Mike after seeing the comical way he spoke during the meeting and asks if he could speak to her class about being a police officer. While Mike is hesitant to ask her out, his partner and a little creativity on the writers' part finally push him into doing so, sparking the flames of their romance that would gradually grow. Leaning on their slightly eccentric support systems,the two navigate the classic milestones of a relationship alongside the everydaylived experience of being overweight, mixed with a healthy dose of humor.
Melissa McCarthy Delivers the Laughs on ‘Mike & Molly’ in a Charming Way
Fans of McCarthy’s Sookie will inevitably love Molly. These characters are cut from the same saccharine cloth,lined with comical scenes and embroidered with witty dialogue. The main difference is that Molly is more acutely aware of her weight and more bizarre social interactions precipitate because of it. This gives Molly a touch of vulnerability and authenticity that McCarthy plays beautifully, making a charming sitcom lead inMike & Molly. It’s the perfect role tosee McCarthy in right afterGilmore Girls, as it feels like an expansion on Sookie’s wholesome character, especially since the humor here has a sharper edge.
Many reviews have criticized the sitcom’s comedy, withVarietycautioning readers aboutits “penchant for cheap fat jokes.” Mike and Molly’s weights certainly are the punchline for many of the jokes in the show, but the majority of them are clever and can elicit a chuckle. Some of the comedy’s success is attributed to the writing,but it is really McCarthy and Gardell’s deliveries that drive it home. They balance the harder edge implicit in these jokes (an edge that reveals deeper insecurities, coping mechanisms, and an anticipation of judgment) with their sweet, genuine performances that allow the comedy to be a medium for viewers to connect with them.
In particular,McCarthy has always killed it with comedy, and she doesn’t disappoint here, making sure that the delivery is witty, intense, and always has that goofy sitcom feel. Her performance becomes more dynamic as the seasons progress, just like with Sookie’s character, andMcCarthy eventually won a Primetime Emmy Awardfor Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2011. So, if you need your dose of pure McCarthy laughs, thenMike & Mollyis a must-see.
Melissa McCarthy and Billy Gardell Have Great Chemistry in ‘Mike & Molly’
But McCarthy is onlyone half of the reason for the sitcom’s appeal, as Gardell is a wonderful scene-partner that livens up the atmosphere ofMike & Molly.The two share delightful on-screen chemistry and banter that never stops, making us look forward to every time they share the screen. Their first date encapsulates the vitality that is their relationship, with Molly turning up high on allergy medication and having a hilarious scene at the restaurant Mike nervously chose. It ends with the awkward endeavor of Mike checking on a passed out Molly in the woman’s bathroom, then sweetly dropping her home with a quiet confession of his feelings and a promise of a do-over.
Their developing relationship — dating, marriage and parenthood — is littered with similar pitfalls, generally leading to moments of peaceful vulnerability and unexpected resolutions. It unfolds as organically and humorously as the genre demands, withMcCarthy and Gardell ensuring we keep rooting for the couple at every step of the way. The show may not do anything new with the sitcom structure, but its likable leads and its refreshing take on romance make it a cozy watch.Mike & Mollywill satisfy anyfan of the genre or of McCarthyin particular, allowing us to indulge in her sensitive, humorous side for a little longer.
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